I Am ENOUGH.
Have you ever felt hopeless, worthless, unworthy, or perhaps never good enough? Maybe you feel as though you have failed at life, parenting, relationships, or your career. Most of us have struggled with these feelings at some point in our life. If we are honest we can all think of a time in our life when we felt as though we would never measure up. It's easy to open social media and compare our life to others. That mom who makes the perfect meals, the house is spotless, children are neat and polite. That dad who works out daily has a job he loves and appears to be "Mr. Perfect." I'm sure someone came to your mind instantly when I began to describe these individuals.
You have changed jobs, gotten several degrees, bought a new car that you can't afford, and pretended to have a perfect life. Deep down you know it's all an illusion, just a social media post with a filter. Down in the pit of your stomach, your soul aches for peace. You have tried to fill this hole with all sorts of things but nothing has filled your pain. At night you lay alone in your home, crouched in the fetal position, and hope for the day that you would feel loved and be good enough. Will this day ever come? The answer is YES, but only when you begin to fill your pain with Jesus.
The God who created heaven and earth also created you. He doesn't make mistakes! Let that sink in for a minute. Repeat after me, "I am enough, God doesn't make mistakes, I am worthy and I am loved by Jesus." Wow, those are some tough words to swallow because the father of all lies will constantly tell you that you are not enough. Why do you think Satan would tell you this? Perhaps it's because he knows just how great you are and how much good Jesus can do through you. He knows that if he can make you believe the lies he feeds you then you will be so focused on what you feel is wrong with you rather than focusing your attention on Christ. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalms 139:13-14
Do you believe that all scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16)? We can not pick and choose which scripture we want to believe. If we believe that Jesus is the Son of Man and died on a cross for our sins, then we must believe all scripture. Therefore, this brings me back to my original statement. You are enough, you are worthy and you are loved! Stop allowing Satan to steal your joy. Jesus is waiting for you to turn your eyes to HIM and begin believing that His Word is true and He doesn't make mistakes! You are not a mistake and God wants to do great things through you but first, you must fill your hole with His Word. Meditate on scripture and put on the full armor of God daily.
This week I want you to focus on changing your mindset and allowing God to create a new you. Remember, Satan has told you these lies for many years and you might find yourself believing the lies from time to time. When this happens STOP and pray the following....
Prayer: “God take these lies from me. Help me to remember I am fearfully and wonderfully made in YOUR image. Lord help me to change my focus from me to YOU. I know YOU have great plans for me and I pray that YOU help me get out of the way so YOU can begin to do YOUR work through me. Lord, I thank you for loving me.”
Homework: Make a list of positive traits (eg. loving, smart, kind, handsome, etc.) Stand in front of a mirror and repeat the following. "I am _____. I am _______. I am enough." Fill in the blanks with your positive traits. Repeat this exercise daily and watch in awe as Jesus begins to do a new work in you.